How do artists get gallery shows? It’s a question I’ve been asked many times, as the art world is not known for its transparency. However, Birmingham’s RBSA Gallery is actively seeking new members who are guaranteed two opportunities to exhibit per year, including at their Annual Exhibition, which has just opened.
Across three floors of the gallery, which is located in the historic Jewellery Quarter, are paintings, photographs, collages, ceramics, sculptures and sketches. This broad range of works in a diverse range of styles points to the eclectic group of members – there are now 178, with 131 full Members and 47 Associates.
Among the associates is Mary Williams, who takes inspiration from her daily walks. Allowing water and ink to react with paper, she puts her medium in charge. “I place it, I watch it and work with it”, she says. Black clouds loom above a patterned field in her atmospheric landscape, ‘Big Sky’ 2023, that hangs in this show.
Elected an Associate in 2021, Williams was “over the moon” for her work to have been recognised. There are two ways in which artists can apply to be an Associate – either they can be nominated by two current Members, or they can self-nominate. There’s just one stipulation: they need to have shown three works at the RBSA in the last six years, and there are plenty of opportunities for artists to achieve this given the programme of open exhibitions. After three years, Associates can be elected to full member status.
This democratic process points to the fact that the RBSA is an artist-led organisation, where recognition comes not only from the gallery but a community of artists: 80% are from the Midlands, while others are based across the UK, stretching from Scotland to Cornwall.
“There is no limit to the number of artists we accept. What’s important is that they have a strong and substantial body of work behind them”, says current President Viv Astling. “We need this standard, as artists have automatic entry into two shows a year”.
Associates and full Members can show three works at the Annual Exhibition and three works in the Summer Exhibition, both of which are accompanied by a printed catalogue and the opportunity to sell.
Members have the added opportunity of exhibiting in other specialist RBSA shows, for which they are selected, plus a ground floor solo show – crucial for any artist’s CV. Williams appreciated being given the wall space for her own exhibition, saying that this was “a wonderful experience.”
As Members and Associates, artists can also participate in exclusive events, with upcoming workshops including a drawing day with Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker cast and an afternoon sketching with the CBSO’s full orchestra and charismatic conductor Kazuki Yamada.
A Gallery Talks programme allows Members, Associates and RBSA Graduates to engage in discussion about their practice with conversations facilitated by Professors John Devane. “I have found the RBSA to be incredibly supportive and nurturing”, says Williams.
In addition, artists bring their own networks and connections with them, as 2024’s Annual Exhibition proves. On this occasion, the show was opened by David Shrigley, the Turner Prize-nominated artist who once installed a giant thumbs up on the Fourth Plinth and whose sell-out prints are defined by their sharp humour. One of most successful living artists, he spoke about the importance of the arts and galleries like the RBSA:
“A place like this is the reality of art in the country, and something very inspiring. What’s important is to see so many people making art – I’ve realised the value of that. It’s a privilege to be an artist, that’s the same for me as everyone in this exhibition.”
“We were delighted when David Shrigley accepted our invitation to officially open our Annual Exhibition of 2024 and thank his former teacher Chris Tkacz for the introduction”, says the RBSA Director, Rachel Dowling-Jones.
Shrigley joins Barbara Walker, Kate Mason and Professor Paul Hill, among numerous significant others, all leaders in their fields, who have opened, selected and critiqued RBSA shows over the years.
This history, and the RBSA’s heritage, is important for many of its Members. Having reached 200 years old, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists’ gallery is an accredited museum with an archive of over 1000 items. It boasts works and ephemera from Pre-Raphaelites including former President Edward Burne-Jones, letters from William Morris and art by the likes of Emmy Bridgwater and Aubrey Beardsley. Once elected a full Member, artists have one of their own works procured for its notable RBSA Permanent Collection.
Whilst drawing on such heritage, the RBSA is moving forward and adapting for modern times, accepting all mediums of art into its exhibtion. Its artists are given great visibility on the website, with a page dedicated to their work and biography. “This is so important for their practice and credibility as an artist”, says Dowling-Jones.
Many art collectors will look up artists online before then viewing their art in person, which is why exhibiting in a gallery is crucial. The RBSA sees around 15,000 visitors walk through its doors each year, as they come to see walls filled with art in shows such as this varied, vibrant Annual Exhibition.
The RBSA Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am to 5pm. On Sunday 12th Jan 2025, there will be an open session for any artists interested in applying to be an Associate member. Please register your interest with the gallery on 0121 236 4353 or [email protected]